On Baptism
I was about twelve when I confessed Christ as Lord. I understood at least something of what that meant, and would for a lifetime learn more of its implications. This confession I made privately. I remember, it was a summer night and I was looking out the window near my top bunk bed. It is not a memory I am ever likely to lose.
The decision to submit to the obedience of baptism could not be made in private. Having grown up a Baptist, I understood baptism to be the public counterpart to my private confession. My relationship to Christ began with a private confession to him. My relationship in the church would be engaged with a public demonstration of that private transaction.
Even though I am in front of people weekly now, and have been for many years, when I was younger I had a shy side. Our church numbered a couple of thousand, and the thought of getting in front of everyone in the “baptistery” was daunting. I knew that before baptizing someone our pastor would sometimes ask a question of the one he was baptizing…in front of everyone!
Yet, I knew that going forward in my Christian life without this most basic and initial act of obedience was not an option. My brother at some point walked me through the issue and gave me the courage to “go forward” at the end of a service and present my self as a candidate for baptism (this is how it was done then). The pastor read the “decision card” in front of the church, and a date was set for my baptism.
I barely remember the actual baptism. I remember looking out at the audience. The pastor interacted with me a little—I don’t remember much about that. But such details are hardly the point. As a boy, affected by the workings of the Spirit and the gentle guidance of my family, I associated my life with Christ in the company of my church.
On May 16th we will witness a couple of baptisms in our church service. Though some things are a bit different in how we go about baptism at FBC (no walking an aisle, no decision card, etc), the baptism itself is the same. Our understanding and purpose in baptism is the same. Those being baptized are identifying their lives as “in Christ,” having previously worked through a personal confession of Christ as Lord.
Why is baptism important? This question requires more than a blog, but in short, it is important because it is the way Christ ordained a path of discipleship for those who would follow him. Baptism does not make anyone a Christian, but it is among the first acts of obedience for those who have already confessed him.
Do you need to be baptized? Do you have questions about baptism? You don't have to walk down the aisle in front of everyone on a Sunday morning. The simplest way to start a conversation about baptism is to fill out this form and a pastor can contact you. Or you can simply email a pastor or elder. You can also talk with me on a Sunday morning, or leave a message for me at the office (913 268-6500). Below are some articles on baptism you can read if you wish. Let us know how we can help!